Etihad Airways suspends operations over Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman

Etihad Airways has suspended its operations through Iranian airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

In a statement, the Abu Dhabi-based airline said, "Following the decision yesterday of the US Federal Aviation Administration to restrict US airline operations in Iranian-controlled airspace, Etihad Airways consulted closely with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and other UAE airlines to evaluate the US action."

The airline said the changes will cause delays on some departures from Abu Dhabi due to increased congestion in the available airspace.

They also said it would increase the journey times on some routes.

Earlier on Saturday the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) called on registered air operators within the UAE to evaluate flight paths affected by recent airspace restrictions in the region.

On Friday Emirates Airline and flydubai said they would reroute some of their flights as a precautionary measure.